Global Caring <a:blue>Month</a:blue>

The grant application window for 2025 Global Caring Month has closed, but your chance to make a difference is just beginning! Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know how you can participate in employee-led volunteer projects this September during Global Caring Month. Plus, you'll receive updates on opportunities to volunteer with our disaster relief partners and other exciting initiatives throughout the year!

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As we celebrate 20 years of the Ford Volunteer Corps, Global Caring Month highlights Ford's legacy of caring and partnering with communities around the world to move people forward and upward.

Ford Philanthropy's annual Global Caring Month community service initiative, organized by the Ford Volunteer Corps, returns this September. Employees are encouraged to develop and lead volunteer projects addressing critical needs in Ford communities globally. Ford Philanthropy will provide grants of up to $10,000 USD to participating nonprofits to acquire necessary tools and supplies.

Since Global Caring Month began in 2006, Ford has engaged nearly 100,000 Ford employees who have used their skills, creativity, and energy on more than 2,000 community impact projects in 45+ countries.

Ready to turn your passion into action? Start planning your project now and check back here in February 2026 for information on how to apply for a 2026 Global Caring Month grant!

Volunteer Project Themes

Applications will be considered for the following volunteer project themes:

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Building Up and Rebuilding

  • Disaster relief and recovery
  • Repairing and renovating homes
  • Cleaning up parks
  • Tree planting
  • Community gardens

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Opportunity, Access and Equity

  • Supporting the work of Global DEI’s Employee Resource Group’s nonprofit partners
  • Making buildings or facilities more accessible
  • Awareness and education sessions
  • Creating equitable access to resources like transit, education and healthcare
  • Supporting cultural enrichment projects

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Economic Empowerment and Financial Education

  • Skill-based training for entrepreneurs
  • Access to technology or equipment through donation and education

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Education

  • School facility improvement
  • Book donations and delivery
  • Tutoring or mentorship
  • STEM programs/camps

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Health and Wellness

  • Planting and harvesting or educating on fresh foods/nutrition
  • Building or improving access to health facilities

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Hunger Relief, Housing and Basic Needs

  • Food preparation and distribution
  • Clothing distribution
  • Shelter creation, improvement or beautification

Mobility

  • Leaning into Ford’s expertise, mobility themes will be considered as well and may include:
  • Addressing transportation access through technology
  • Alternate transportation solutions (e.g., bicycles)
  • Infrastructure improvements

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Water Access and Hygiene

  • Installation of sanitation equipment
  • Assembling hygiene kits
  • Building or installing water treatment/access equipment for communities

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Youth and Senior Development

  • Neighborhood transformation through beautification
  • Safety programs for youth including pedestrian and driver safety
  • Technology use training
  • Youth/senior facility improvement

Past Volunteer Project Examples


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqFcVzXPsbk

In Detroit, Michigan, United States, Kelsey Ruder, Sponsorship and Activation Marketing manager at Ford, planned four days of volunteering with Humble Design, a U.S.-based nonprofit that designs and furnishes home interiors for individuals, families, and veterans emerging from homelessness. A dozen Ford volunteers spent the day turning a house into a beautiful new home for a Navy veteran and her two daughters.

"I hope to make a lasting impact on the individuals and families we served through Humble Design. By providing them with a comfortable, fully furnished home, we can help them build stability and break the cycle of homelessness."

- Kelsey Ruder


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rwwSwwto0g

In Thailand, Chatree Nunkratoke, Tooling and Facilities Leader at the Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FMT) Plant in Rayong Province, collaborated with the SATI Foundation to utilize leftover solar cell power systems from the FTM plant. Thirty volunteers installed the solar cells in three schools near the plant. The project contributed to a reduction in power consumption expenses to allow the schools to allocate funds to other essential areas.

"The most meaningful part of this project to me is seeing Ford team members from various departments working together collaboratively; it shows unity. If you are considering volunteering, I would encourage you to explore projects that align with your interests and don’t be afraid to try new things."

- Chatree Nunkratoke

February 12-April 24

Submit Your Volunteer Project Proposals

April 28-May 9

Projects selected

By June 2


Nominated projects informed of selection
Next steps provided to Ford employees and Nonprofits

June 9-August 15

Grants distributed to selected volunteer projects

September

Volunteer projects take place during Global Caring Month

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Image Description : Ford Mexico

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